TheBRITs News

"I'd put my money on Ed Sheeran winning"

Michael Baggs — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:57:11 +0000

Professor Green live Twitter chat: read the interview

We interviewed Professor Green live on Twitter

Find out what happened when we spoke to British Male nominee Professor Green live on Twitter with fans' questions

What would life be like without Twitter in this day and age? Well we'll tell you one thing, it would be without the option for us to chat to BRIT Awards with MasterCard nominees such as Professor Green live on the internet, that's for sure.

Vote for Music Matters Unsung Hero Award

Michael Baggs — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:36:00 +0000

Cast your vote for the stars behind the scenes in music

Get involved an win tickets to The BRIT Awards 2012

Vote for the men and women who work behind the scenes in music and you could win BRITs 2012 tickets

It's easy to forget that behind every great artist in the music industry is a team of hard working, dedicated people. Music Matters, in partnership with The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard is this year honouring some of those backstage stars with the first annual Music Matters Unsung Hero Award.

BME announces 2012 BRIT Awards exhibition

Michael Baggs — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:33:47 +0000

BME announces 2012 BRIT Awards exhibition

A new show at the BME to celebrate Outstanding Contribution BRIT Award

The British Music Experience inside the O2 announces Outstanding Contribution to Music Award exhibition

The BRIT Awards with MasterCard's Outstanding Contribution to Music award is set for its own tribute this year, with an exhibition at The British Music Experience inside London's O2. 'The BRIT Awards Exhibition 2012: The History of the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award' will open on 9 February 2012.

'I want to be sat with my friends at The BRITs!'

Michael Baggs — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:56:36 +0000

Pixie: 'I want to be sat with my friends at The BRITs!'

The British Single nominee speaks exclusively to BRITs.co.uk

Pixie Lott speaks exclusively to The BRITs and reveals who she'd like to be sat with at this years events - famous and otherwise

Pixie Lott has proven that her chart-topping pop career hasn't left her head in the clouds, revealing she would rather be sat with friends than her fellow popstars at The 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard.

Speaking exclusively to The BRITs, the British Single nominee told us she wanted to spend the 21 February event with her pals - and especially those who hadn't previously experienced The BRIT Awards.

'Adele will beat me to a BRIT Award!'

Michael Baggs — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Olly Murs: 'Adele will beat me to a BRIT Award!'

The British Single nominee speaks exclusively to BRITs.co.uk

British Single nominee Olly Murs speaks exclusively to The BRITs and tells us who he thinks will win the award

Olly Murs has revealed he considers Adele and Ed Sheeran his main competition in the race for the British Single prize at The 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard.

In an exclusive chat with The BRITs, the 'Heart Skips A Beat' singer told how he would bet on 'Someone Like You' or 'The A-Team' taking the prize at this year's award ceremony.

"If I was to put money on who I thought would be my main competitor in this category i'd probably say Adele," Olly told us. "But then Ed Sheeran has had a great year as well - with 'The A-Team' especially.

"I was just trying not to swear or fall over at the 2011 BRIT Awards"

Michael Baggs — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:51:32 +0000

Jessie J live Twitter chat: find out what she had to say!

We interviewed 2012 BRITs nominee and former Critics Choice winner Jessie J live on Twitter. Find out more.

This week we spoke to 2011 Critics' Choice winner and 2012 nominee Jessie J live on Twitter. The UK star has had a massive year since her win at the 2011 BRIT Awards with MasterCard, and we wanted to check in with the 'Domino' chart-topper ahead of this year's BRITs.

War Child announce pre-BRITs show

Michael Baggs — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:14:37 +0000

Ed Sheeran and Blur to play War Child 2012 BRITs show

Find out more about this year's official War Child gig

Ed Sheeran, Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon confirmed for the 2012 official War Child pre-BRIT Awards party

Along with all the awards gossip and imminent Red Carpet action, it wouldn't be BRIT Awards with MasterCard season without a few parties! The first big one to be announced is this year's official War Child pre-BRITs event in West London.

The star-studded event will take place on 19 February at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, with tickets available from Thursday 2 February priced at £40.

BRIT Awards news: BRITs album, Lana and Vaccines

Michael Baggs — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:42 +0000

BRITs Awards news: BRITs album, Vaccines and Lana

Today's gossip from the BRIT Awards nominees

It's all about the albums today we give pre-order details on the BRITs 2012 compilation and Lana sets the UK charts alight

It's all about the albums today, as Lana Del Rey looks shifts an impressive number of albums, The Vaccines release details of their second record and pre-ordering begins on the official BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard album. Find out who and what's been making headlines on 31 January 2012...

Nominees news: Rihanna, Ed, Lana and more

Michael Baggs — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:01 +0000

BRIT nominees news: Lana, Rihanna, Ed and much more

BRIT nominees news: Rihanna, Ed, Lana and much more

Find out which BRITs nominees have been shortlisted for the XFM New Music award, what Lana gets up to in her spare time and much more

It's awards for the British boys and all sorts of gossip and goings on for our international ladies in today's BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard nominees new roundup. Find out who's been making headlines on 30 January 2012...

Nominees news: Labrinth's party and more

Michael Baggs — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:37 +0000

BRITs 2012 news: Labrinth's party and much more

BRIT nominees news: Labrinth's party and much more

A posh London party by BRITs watch partner Raymond Weil plus some international action from our BRIT Awards nominees

A flurry of action from some of our International Nominees at The 2012 BRIT Awards, including new video teaser from two of the biggest stars on the planet and a review of the year's first essential album. Plus a London get-together for some of the biggest stars in British urban music. Find out who's been making headlines on 27 January 2012...

Nominees news: Flo, Olly, Emeli and more

Michael Baggs — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:33:52 +0000

BRIT nominees news: Emeli, Flo, Olly and much more

BRIT nominees news: Flo, Olly, Emeli and much more

From the latest addition to the list of performers at the 2012 BRIT Awards to a spilled pop secret, who's making the news today?

A big day for The 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard as another performer has been added to the list of stars taking to the O2 stage on 21 February. But apart from that announcement, there's been plenty more news and gossip from our BRITs nominees. Read on to find out who's been making headlines on 26 January 2012...

Nominees news: Kate, Ed, Nicki and more

Michael Baggs — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:48:20 +0000

BRIT nominees news: Nicki, Kate, Ed and much more

Nominees news: Kate, Ed, Nicki and much more

From Nicki Minaj's record breaking new video to a very special collaboration between BRITs nominees...

Another day, another collection of BRIT Awards with MasterCard nominees gossip. Today, we've got one new video, another breaking records and a very exciting potential collaboration between two BRITs nominees. Read on to find out who's been making headlines on 25 January 2012...

Olly Murs added to BRITs performers line-up

Michael Baggs — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:07:09 +0000

Olly Murs added to BRITs performers line-up

X Factor star and chart topper Olly Murs has been added to the impressive list of BRITs 2012 performers. Find out more.

Hold onto your perfectly-cocked hats, Olly Murs has joined the performers line-up at The BRITs 2012 with MasterCard.

The X Factor star, chart-topper and Xtra Factor TV host will be taking to the stage at the 21 February event as well as fellow performers including Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Bruno Mars and many more.

Olly is nominated at The 2012 BRIT Awards for his Rizzle Kicks collaboration 'Heart Skips A Beat' which topped the UK singles chart in August 2011. He was also nominated for the same award at the 2011 BRIT Awards.

The BRIT Awards 2012: live on ITV1

Michael Baggs — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:39:00 +0000

Clear the diary! The BRIT Awards will be live on ITV1

The BRIT Awards 2012: live on ITV1

Find out where and when UK viewers can watch The BRIT Awards live on TV

What are your plans for 21 February 2012? Whatever you had in mind - cancel it. Draw the curtains and get settled in front of the TV, because it's BRIT Awards with MasterCard night.

Broadcast live from The O2 in London, The BRIT Awards will be shown on ITV1 from 8pm, but for those of you who want a little Red Carpet action as well, we'll be broadcasting live between 7-8 on ITV2 and speaking to all the guests as they arrive at The BRITs 2012.

Nominees news: Lana, Emeli, Noel and more

Michael Baggs — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:48:17 +0000

BRIT nominee news: Lana, Emeli, Noel and much more

BRITs news roundup: Lana, Emeli, Noel and more

From Noel Gallagher's NME award to Lana Del Rey's BBC session - get the latest gossip from the BRITs 2012 nominees

Our BRITs nominees are a busy bunch. Ahead of the 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard (happening on 21 February - make a note), we're rounding up all the latest news on this year's shortlisted artists, and keeping you up to date with the latest BRITs nominees gossip. Read on to find out who's been making headlines on 24 January 2012...

All the details of The BRIT Awards 2012 album

Michael Baggs — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:53:03 +0000

Three discs - 61 tracks: The BRITs 2012 compilation

Three discs - 61 tracks: it's The BRITs 2012 compilation album

Chek out the full tracklisting of The BRIT Awards 2012 compilation album - and pre-order the collection now

What better way to celebrate The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard than with the official BRIT Awards 2012 compilation album? This year's enormous collection includes 42 tracks from all the nominees - plus a few of last year's greatest pop talents who didn't quite make the nominations shortlist - as well as a very special bonus disc.

The BRITs 2012: show performers

Michael Baggs — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:53:46 +0000

A full rundown of the stars performing at The BRITs 2012

We've got some of the biggest stars in the world performing at this year's BRIT Awards. Find out who's on the line-up...

Boy have we got a show lined up for you. As the biggest British music awards, it's only fitting that the greatest artists - from the UK and beyond - take to the stage at The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard. From a Barbadian pop megastar to the man behind one of the biggest rock bands of the past 20 years, here's a full rundown of all the BRITs 2012 performers announced so far...

Blur at the BRITs: 1995 - 2012

Michael Baggs — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:38:49 +0000

Look back at Blur's BRITs history before their 2012 win

Look back at Blur's BRITs history ahead of their 2012 win

Take a look back at Blur's history at The BRIT Awards ahead of their 2012 Outstanding Contribution to Music win

This year's Outstanding Contribution to Music winners, Blur, are no strangers to The BRIT Awards.

Damon Albarn, Alex James, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree have been nominated for BRIT Awards no fewer than 15 times over their 14-year career, but 1995 was the year of Blur at the BRIT Awards. The indie boys took home an impressive four awards at the show, triumphing over Britpop rivals Oasis in two of the categories.

A sneak peak at the BRIT Awards menu

Michael Baggs — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:12:38 +0000

Take sneak peak at the 2012 BRIT Awards menu

Take a sneak peak at the BRIT Awards 2012 menu

Check out what's on the menu for those lucky (and hopefully hungry celebs) at this year's BRIT Awards

What are you planning for your dinner? Well whatever you have in mind, we can pretty much guarantee you it won't be as impressive as what will be on the menu for guests at The 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard.

Esteemed caterers Payne & Gunter have once again pulled out all the stops to ensure all the big-name guests are served the finest British food, and we've had an exclusive look at the food set to be served at the ceremony on 21 February, 2012.

Starter:

Phil Clifton's Backstage blog: Part 1

Michael Baggs — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:18:43 +0000

Phil Clifton lifts the lid on The BRITs in his backstage blog

Our backstage boy Phil reveals all about his first day on the job for BRITs.co.uk in his exclusive blog

"WOWZERS, my first BRIT Awards with MasterCard blog entry. Better make this good. Or at least legible. Yep, I’ll definitely settle for legible at this stage.

Last week saw day one of filming as the BRITs backstage host, and the Nominations Launch at The Savoy! This year I am wildly pumped about The BRITs, way more so than other years. Is that just because I wasn’t invited to all those other years? No way!! No, no, no, no, no. (yes).

Listen to the BRIT Awards 2012 playlist

Michael Baggs — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:24:53 +0000

Listen to the BRIT Awards 2012 Spotify playlist

We've teamed up with Spotify to create a playlist of all the BRITs 2012 nominees

Now that the excitement and drama of revealing this year's BRIT Awards nominations is behind us, it's time to get down some serious business - enjoying the music of the nominated artists.

From homegrown talent to overseas superstars, this year's BRIT Awards nominations showcases the best in British talent alongside the best international artists. Artists nominated range from global chart toppers to promising newcomers to the critically acclaimed.

2012 nominees: MasterCard British Album

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:06:36 +0000

2012 nominees: MasterCard British Album of The Year

The nominees are Adele '21', Coldplay 'Mylo Xyloto', Ed Sheeran '+', Florence & the Machine 'Ceremonials' and PJ Harvey 'Let England Shake'

Despite all rumours that the album is dead, evidence points to the contrary. The past 12 months have seen the release of countless astounding records that have captured the hearts of listeners across the UK and beyond. Which makes picking the most impressive albums of the year an all-the-more difficult task.

The nominees for MasterCard British Album of The Year are:

Adele '21'
Coldplay 'Mylo Xyloto'

2012 nominees: International Breakthrough

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:05:27 +0000

2012 nominees: International Breakthrough

The nominees for International Breakthrough are Aloe Blacc, Bon Iver, Foster the People, Lana Del Rey and Nicki Minaj

This year's International Breakthrough nominees are yet again a wildly diverse selection of new talent. This is going to be one hotly contested category...

The nominees for International Breakthrough are:

Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster The People
Lana Del Rey
Nicki Minaj

2012 nominees: International Group

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:03:19 +0000

2012 nominees: International Group

The nominees for International Group are Fleet Foxes, Foo Fighters, Jay Z / Kanye West, Lady Antebellum and Maroon 5.

Stadium-filling superstars rub shoulders in this year's International Group category, as some of the biggest worldwide bands of the past 12 months compete for this coveted award.

The nominees for International Group are:

Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay-Z / Kanye West

2012 nominees: International Female Solo Artist

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:02:14 +0000

2012 nominees: International Female Solo Artist

The nominees for International Female Solo Artist are Beyonce, Bjork, Feist, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.

A mix of pop superstars and music mavericks, this year's International Female Solo Artist nominees is a mixed bunch to say the least - from an artist who released an album through iPhone apps to this year's Queen of Glastonbury. It's an impressive list indeed.

The nominees for International Female Solo Artist are:

Beyonce
Bjork
Feist

2012 nominees: International Male Solo Artist

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:37 +0000

2012 nominees: International Male Solo Artist

The nominees for International Solo Artist are Aloe Blacc, Bon Iver, Bruno Mars, David Guetta and Ryan Adams.

The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard are again a brilliantly diverse bunch, with five completely different artists in the running to take the title.

The nominees for International Male Solo Artist are:

Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams

2012 nominees: British Single

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:48:14 +0000

Check out all the nominees in the British Single category

2012 nominees: British Single

The nominees for British Single are Adele, Ed Sheeran, Example, Jessie J, JLS, Military Wives, Olly Murs, One Direction, Pixie Lott and The Wanted.

The past twelve months have an amazing time for British music, with newcomers rubbing shoulders with established and returning artists in the singles charts.

The nominees for British Single are:

Adele 'Someone Like You'
Ed Sheeran 'The A Team'
Example 'Changed The Way You Kissed Me'
Jessie J feat. B.O.B 'Price Tag'

2012 nominees: British Group

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:46:38 +0000

2012 nominees: British Group

The contenders for Best British Group are Arctic Monkeys, Chase & Status, Coldplay, Elbow and Kasabian.

Our nominations for the British Group at the BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard is an all male affair. Lets hear it for the boys.

The nominees for British Group are:

Arctic Monkeys
Chase & Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian

2012 nominees: British Breakthrough Act

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:46:27 +0000

2012 nominees: British Breakthrough Act

The nominees for British Breakthrough Act are Anna Calvi, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Jessie J and The Vaccines.

Every year sees countless new artists making an impact on the British music scene, and 2011 was no exception. This year's British Breakthrough Act represent the diversity in young British talent.

The nominees for British Breakthrough Act are:

Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines

2012 nominees: British Female Solo Artist

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:45:40 +0000

2012 nominees: Brit Female Solo Artist

2012 nominees: British Female Solo Artist

The nominees for British Female Solo Artist are Adele, Florence & the Machine, Jessie J, Kate Bush, Laura Marling.

What a year it has been for British pop ladies. This year's nominations for British Female Solo Artist feature some of the biggest names in music, worldwide. Girl power indeed.

The nominees for British Female Solo Artist are:

Adele
Florence & The Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush

2012 nominees: British Male Solo Artist

Michael Baggs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:45:13 +0000

2012 nominees: British Male Solo Artist

The nominees for Best British Male Solo Artist are Ed Sheeran, James Blake, James Morrison, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Professor Green.

2012 nominees: British Male Solo Artist This year's nominees for British Male Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards 2012 with MastercCard is a mixed bunch, honouring legendary rockers and emerging talent, with five of the best male musicians in the UK in the running for the award.

The nominees for British Male Solo Artist are:

Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison

Meet the BRITs.co.uk host, Phil Clifton

Michael Baggs — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:04:59 +0000

Phil Clifton joins the BRITs as the official online presenter

Introducing Phil Clifton, the rising radio and TV star who you'll be seeing a lot more of round here...

There's a new face here at BRITs.co.uk, as we reveal the new face of the BRITs backstage, Phil Clifton.

A former presenter on XFM, Phil made his name presenting the Early Breakfast Show in 2009 and was nominated for a Sony Rising Award and being quickly promoted to the Weekend Breakfast show.

He soon made his move to TV presenting for MTV on their chart content before setting up home on The Official Rock Chart, which has been a rating's smash across MTV Europe.

BRITs offers exclusive blogger access to 2012 awards

Michael Baggs — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:30:27 +0000

Want to blog from The BRITs 2012? Enter our competition

We're giving two bloggers the chance to report from the BRIT Awards 2012 in our exclusive Twitter competition

Calling all bloggers! We're giving two writers the opportunity to cover The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard on their blog by offering exclusive access to the awards in this amazing competition.

Two lucky, and talented, writers will win a press pass to the February 21 event, allowing access to the backstage and press area at this year's awards ceremony at the O2.

The BRITs 2012 goes digital

Michael Baggs — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:17:49 +0000

Find out how you can get all the BRITs gossip first

Check out all the exciting ways you can get involved with The BRITs 2012 online and on your mobile phone

The BRIT Awards 2011 with MasterCard has gone digital in a way the ceremony never has in its history. The biggest event in the UK music calendar is now alive on web across brits.co.uk, and iPhone app, Facebook and Twitter.

Brits.co.uk offers all the latest news and gossip about this year's nominations alongside a massive selection of videos, profiles and pictures of nominated artists - past and present.

The best ever BRIT Awards duets

Michael Baggs — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:16:21 +0000

Check out some of the best ever BRIT Awards duets

We look back at some of the strange and spectacular artists who have duetted on the BRIT Awards stage

Taking to the BRIT Awards with MasterCard stage must be so much easier if you don't have to do it alone. Over the past 35 years, the biggest names in pop history have shared the stage with fellow music megastars, performing unforgettable duets of classic hits.

Plus, with MasterCard's Priceless Duet campaign, even fans of great British artists are being given the opportunity to perform with their music idols.

Emeli Sande and Ed Sheeran to perform at BRITs Nominations Launch

Michael Baggs — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:18:42 +0000

Emeli Sande and Ed Sheeran to perform at BRITs Nominations Launch

Performances revealed for 2012 BRITs nominations launch plus exclusive noms reveal on BRIT Awards Twitter and Facebook.

Critics Choice winner Emeli Sande and one of the biggest new chart acts of 2011, Ed Sheeran, have been announced as performers at the BRIT Awards with MasterCard Nomination Launch.

The event will take place at The Savoy Hotel on Thursday 12 January 2012, where the nominations for this years BRITs will be announced. The performances from Emeli Sande and Ed Sheeran will be available to watch exclusively on www.brits.co.uk shortly after the launch party. The event will be hosted by Greg James with and introduction from BRITs show host, James Corden.

test video ads

giuseppe — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:47:57 +0000

Vote on your mobile with the BRIT Awards app

Michael Baggs — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:24:03 +0000

Get the BRIT Awards app at www.itunes.com/BRITs

Vote on your mobile with the BRIT Awards app

The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard goes mobile with the first ever BRITs iPhone app

The BRIT Awards with MasterCard are going mobile in 2012 with a phone app that will allow music fans to vote for this year's awards.

Visit www.iTunes.com/Brits to download the app - and vote - now.

Your 2011 album picks

Michael Baggs — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:58:34 +0000

Your 2011 album picks

We turned to our Twitter followers to find out which records have been their favourites from the past 12 months.

At the 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard, one of the most coveted awards will be the Best British Album gong. One of the most important awards of the night, recent winners of the award include Mumford & Sons, Florence & The Machine, Duffy and Arctic Monkeys.

Sadly, there are always too many great albums to honour them all with a nomination. So we turned to our Twitter followers to find out which records have been their favourites from the past 12 months - and it seems we've got a lot of pop fans...

Statue profile: who is Sir Peter Blake?

Michael Baggs — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:53:09 +0000

Statue profile: who is Sir Peter Blake?

Find out more about the man behind the redesign of the 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard statue, Sir Peter Blake.

This year's BRIT Award statue is designed by the legendary pop artist, Sir Peter Blake. But who is Sir Peter Blake?

Critics Choice 2011: a great year for Jessie J

Michael Baggs — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:50:28 +0000

Critics Choice 2011: a great year for Jessie J

Since winning the BRIT Awards Critics Choice award in 2011, Jessie J is now one of the biggest pop stars in the UK. Find out about her meteoric rise.

Before the start of 2011, the name Jessie J would only have been familiar to insiders in the music industry, having made her name as a songwriter for the likes of Miley Cyrus and Chris Brown.

Twelve months later Jessie is one of the biggest pop stars in the UK, scoring five top ten singles and a top ten album after kicking off the year being named the BRIT Awards Critics Choice 2011.

Emeli Sande named Critics' Choice winner

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:48:05 +0000

Emeli Sande named Critics' Choice winner

It's a fifth strike for the girls as Emeli Sande is named the winner of the 2012 Critics' Choice award in association with War Child.

The Scottish soul sensation follows previous female winners Jessie J (2011), Ellie Goulding (2010), Florence and The Machine (2009) and Adele (2008) to take the title.

Fellow nominees Maverick Sabre and Michael Kiwanuka place second and third respectively.

Critics' Choice interview: we meet Emeli Sande

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:46:55 +0000

Critics' Choice interview: we meet Emeli Sande

We interview the winner of the 2012 Critics' Choice award, Scottish soul sensation, Emeli Sande.

After years building a reputation as a songwriter and go-to artist for guest vocals, Emeli Sande stepped into the spotlight in 2011 with a string of massive hit singles. Her solo debut 'Heaven' brought elements of old school drum'n'bass back to the Top Ten and her Professor Green duet 'Read All About It' scored the duo a No.1 hit.

Critics' Choice profile: meet Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:46:04 +0000

Critics' Choice profile: meet Michael Kiwanuka

Find out more about this the 2012 Critics' Choice second runner up, Michael Kiwanuka.

Alongside Maverick Sabre and Emeli Sande, Michael Kiwanuka is one of the three artists nominated for the Critics' Choice award at The BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard.

Born in London to Ugandan parents, Michael has gained widespread acclaim for his stirring soul sound, and has been compared to some of the biggest names and voices in music history. Ahead of the announcement of the winner of the 2012 Critics' Choice award, find out more about this unique new British talent.

Critics' Choice interview: we meet Maverick Sabre

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:44:48 +0000

Critics' Choice interview: we meet Maverick Sabre

We speak exclusively with this year's Critics' Choice award runner up, rising urban star Maverick Sabre.

Maverick Sabre made his chart debut in 2011 with hit singles 'Let Me Go' and 'I Need'. Blending classic soul sounds with a raw, gritty vocals, this 21-year-old rising star is one of the most promising talents on the UK urban scene.

Critics' Choice partner: who are War Child?

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:38:25 +0000

Critics' Choice partner: who are War Child?

Find out more about the amazing work of our Critics' Choice award partner, War Child

Since Adele was named the first winner of the Critics' Choice Award in association with War Child in 2008, the organisation has been an integral partner of The BRIT Awards. Subsequent artists to receive the award include Florence and The Machine and Jessie J. A three strike success rate of world class artists.

BRITs 2012 Critics' Choice nominees revealed

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:37:16 +0000

BRITs 2012 Critics' Choice nominees revealed

Emeli Sande, Maverick Sabre and Michael Kiwanuka are named as the 2012 Critics' Choice award nominees.

Emeli Sande, Maverick Sabre and Michael Kiwanuka have been announced as the three artists in the running for the Critics' Choice award in association with War Child at the 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard.

These three, hotly tipped newcomers are vying to take the title that has been won previously by Adele, Ellie Goulding, Florence & The Machine and Jessie J. The winner will be announced on 15 December 2011.

BRIT Awards 2012 statue revealed

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:33:36 +0000

BRIT Awards 2012 statue revealed

Take a look at the stunning BRIT Awards with MasterCard statue redesign from legendary British artist, Peter Blake.

Every girl needs a new outfit for a big night out and the BRITs statue is no exception. Today we can reveal the redesigned statue for the BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard ceremony, as created by the legendary Peter Blake.

Once again based on the three colours of the Union Jack flag, Sir Peter Blake has turned the BRIT Award statue into a modern trophy for 2012, but one with echoes of the swinging sixties, the decade when Blake first rose to prominence.

Blur named Outstanding Contribution winners 2012

Michael Baggs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:32:03 +0000

Blur named Outstanding Contribution winners 2012

Britpop legends Blur are named winners of the 2012 BRIT Award with MasterCard Outstanding Contribution to Music award.

Britpop legends Blur have been named as the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard.

After being rested for a year in 2011, the prestigious award makes a return in 2012 and honours the work of 'Beetlebum' hitmakers Damon Albarn, Alex James, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree.

Sir Peter Blake designs 2012 BRIT Award statue

Michael Baggs — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:34:17 +0000

Sir Peter Blake designs 2012 BRIT Award statue

The BRIT Awards with MasterCard 2012 statue has been given a radical makeover by legendary pop artist, Sir Peter Blake.

Following the 2011 haute couture reinvention by Dame Vivienne Westwood, the artist responsible for some of the most iconic album sleeves in music history has given the 2012 statue a cool new look sure to rival those seen on this year's red carpet.